Mercedes finally unveiled the Generation EQ concept, a SUV coupe study that previews a new family of electric vehicles under the new EQ brand.
Power comes from a pair of electric motors that produce up to a combined 402hp and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque, thanks to the system’s scalable battery components, with the power transmitted to all four wheels permanently.

The company claims a driving range of up to 310 miles (500km) on a single charge with the battery pack mounted between the axles. Speaking of which, the lithium-ion batteries are made from Daimler themselves, with a model-specific total capacity of over 70kWh. 0-62mph (0-100km/h) comes in under 5 seconds.

Mercedes opted for an SUV to be the first of its new electric family of models, thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the segment. Design-wise, the company made the Generation EQ look dynamic but with really clean lines.

“Its fascination lies in a reinterpretation of our design philosophy of sensual purity, the aim being to create an avant-garde, contemporary and distinctive electro-look”, said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler. “At the same time, the design of the visionary show car, which has been reduced to the essentials, reveals an alluring progressivity.”

The main design feature that will distinguish all future ‘Generation EQ’ electric models is the Black Panel front grille which bears a white-illuminated Mercedes star and integrates all the light elements under one surface.

The cabin hosts four individual seats which have speakers integrated to their headrests for a better sound experience. The rose gold trim on the center console and on the door handles will please most of Apple’s fans while a big, ultra-wide modular display can be found behind the steering wheel. Another set of displays are integrated into the front backrests.

Mercedes said that they are developing a new, modular architecture which will be exclusive to electric vehicles of their new EQ sub-brand, with the Generation EQ concept to be the first one to reach production in 2019, making it a genuine rival to the Tesla Model X and Audi’s also planned e-Tron Quattro.

By the time we see the production version of the Generation EQ concept on the roads, the company reckons that charging times will be significantly reduced with the introduction of the European Combined Charging System standard (CCS). As is now, Mercedes’ electric crossover is capable of wireless, traditional and fast charging. In the medium to long term when a charging capacity of 300kW is planned to be introduced, the company says that five minutes of charge will give their vehicle sufficient power for 100km (62 miles) of driving range.

As for the price, Dieter Zetsche said during the official reveal of the car at the Paris Motor Show that their new electric crossover will be at the same price range of a reasonably equipped Mercedes GLC. He also said that by 2025, Daimler will have more than 10 fully electric models on the market.